Investigation into Clichy claims

Police are investigating claims by Gael Clichy that a banana was thrown on to the pitch during Man City's friendly win over Limerick.

Last Updated: 06/08/12 7:12pm

Gael Clichy: The Manchester City defender tweeted about the alleged incident

Police are investigating claims by Gael Clichy that a banana was thrown on to the pitch during Manchester City's friendly win over Limerick.

Gardai - the police force of the Republic of Ireland - and stadium officials are studying CCTV footage in an attempt to identify any spectator involved in the alleged incident.

A missile was said to have been thrown on Sunday onto the pitch during Premier League champions City's 4-0 victory at Thomond Park.

A statement released on behalf of Limerick FC and Thomond Park Stadium said: "The Gardai and stadium officials are reviewing the CCTV recordings to attempt to identify an individual involved in the throwing of an offensive object onto the playing field.

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"Any individual identified as being involved in an incident of this nature will be banned from future attendance and the matter will be handed over to the Gardai.

"All those involved with the friendly game fully condemn all forms of unacceptable behaviour of this nature."

It is understood Manchester City made no formal complaint over the incident, which was mentioned by Clichy via his Twitter account.

He tweeted: "How sad to see 'bananas thrown on the pitch' tonight... Knowing people around the world need food. #nowordsforthis."

The incident came as Newcastle United asked Den Haag to investigate reports of racist chanting from sections of home fans on Saturday during the friendly game between the two clubs at the Kyocera Stadium.